The Space Merchants (The Space Merchants, #1) in Reverse Harem? Anyone?

Aug 16, 2017 Jennifer G rated it really liked it

Shelves: reverse-harem

Teagan is a survivor. She grew up under an abusive father with no mother. As soon as she was old enough she escaped and lived on a park bench until she was given a bare room and a job collecting trash. She has one friend and dreams of one day going into space, but for right now, she gets by on her own. Her dreams actually come true when she is hired to be the domestic help on the trade ship Tora under the command of Captain Hiroshi Lee, his adopted brother Yukihyo, and Dr. Phillip. Teagan's life Teagan is a survivor. She grew up under an abusive father with no mother. As soon as she was old enough she escaped and lived on a park bench until she was given a bare room and a job collecting trash. She has one friend and dreams of one day going into space, but for right now, she gets by on her own. Her dreams actually come true when she is hired to be the domestic help on the trade ship Tora under the command of Captain Hiroshi Lee, his adopted brother Yukihyo, and Dr. Phillip. Teagan's life is now one adventure after another and filled with love.

This book has terrific world building. Several worlds make up the Tora's trade route and each is completely and wonderfully detailed. Each is also home to several characters that Teagan and the crew develop or already have relationships with. This is a nice touch; it makes each planet a destination to look forward to, not just a trade stop. There are plenty of events in the book. It's not action based, but more of an account of happenings or occasions. It's more of a character based book, a fun account of Teagan's adventures.

Teagan is a sweet naive young lady. She's seems socially inept at times, almost childlike, but her sweet ways make her lovable. The men are great. The family that they include Teagan in is my favorite aspect of the book. Yukihyo is beyond perfection. We should all get so lucky; gorgeous, thoughtful, protective. Phillip is an unabashed charmer. His playboy ways were portrayed in a playful, not man-whore manner. Hiroshi may have been my favorite of the men. Handsome, yet not the lady's man like Phillip, kind and protective, somewhat an unknown. He had something that drew me to him. There was a wide cast of side characters that become quite important to Teagan. They were almost overwhelming with their numbers, but a certain Captain stood out to me. I was sad when he didn't become a love interest! However, my very favorite side character had 8 legs, not 2. Thunderdrop could not have been more adorable. This amazed me, considering....

My only true complaint of the book was with the portrayal of women. I felt like women were underestimated; shop, have tea, stay home and be safe. There was one woman of power in the book and even though Teagan was awestruck over her, she seemed mostly disregarded in conversation.

This was an engaging read and I plan to read book 2 as soon as possible. I know that it goes RH, but I can't imagine how. Teagan's relationship doesn't seem open to the idea at all. I am intrigued. ...more

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Mar 28, 2018 Risa Nichols | Alated Bibliophile rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, new-to-me-authors, rh, science-fiction-romance

Different from what I've read before, but I enjoyed it. Thunderdrop was probably my favorite part; he's so cute :) ...more

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Jul 31, 2017 Kirstin Lewry rated it really liked it

Shelves: alien, loved

Brilliant book

I loved this story so much, I got totally lost in the story. It had me totally feeling for Teagan and I loved how you see her grow and develop. Now a go to book for me its so good

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